So you’ve got an Amazon Echo and want to figure out how to turn your lamp on using Alexa? The cheapest way to do that is to use a smart plug. But which one should you get? I’ve been using a gaggle of smart plugs over the last few months and here are the five that work best with Alexa.

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For the most up-to-date list, go here: https://shreh.ca/2vOQMfk

For smart plugs, I score them based on:
- the physical design/size
- how easy it is to press the power button
- the app
- connectivity
- remote access
- power metering
- and overall compatibility with other smart home platform

I do all this to ensure that I can speak in a relative unbiased fashion about each product. It also gives me a good sense of what the strengths and weaknesses are for product. Why do I go through all this effort? Well, I just want to make sure I can get the MOST out of my home and I’m sure you do as well.

So let’s get started.

#5 Goes to the Belkin WeMo Switch but it should really goto the Koogeek Smart Plug P2. At the time of this review, my Smart Plug P2 is acting funny. It works with Apple Home but I haven’t been able to log into my Koogeek account so that I can pair the Koogeek with Alexa. Assuming that Koogeek fixes this issue, than it’s a slightly better than average plug and has an extra night light feature. If they don’t, well, consider getting a the gigantic WeMo Switch if you find it in the bargain bin at your local big box store. If you’re going to pay full price for one, go with #4 and #3 on this list.

#4 Goes to the Belkin WeMo and it scores higher than the WeMo switch because it is a fraction of the size. I’ve been using the regular WeMo to control my product lights and it does a decent job of doing so. Basically, use the WeMo with appliances that you don’t care to monitor the power usage for.

in general, Belkin’s WeMo lineup has a step-up on most of the other Alexa enabled smart switches because Belkin offers remote access. If you only need a couple of smart appliances in your home, you might not even need to use Alexa and get away with using Belkin’s services.

#3 goes to the Belkin WeMo Insight. Why? Because it has power metering built into the unit. I’ve placed the Belkin WeMo Insight on my dehumidifier to see how much money I’m spending sucking the water out of my basement air. As a side note, it isn’t a lot of money but the power tracking allows me to see if the water tank in the unit is full since it isn’t drawing any power.

#2 Goes to iDevice’s Switch. From my perspective, the Switch is going to be the best plug for use in a bathroom where hair appliances are constantly being plugged in. Why? Because the plug is on the side so it doesn’t get in the way as much and the button on the smart plug is quite large. It also comes with a night light so it helps with ensuring you don’t hurt yourself during your sleepy time #1’s. It also doesn’t block the second plug which is handy as well. The only other plug on this list that isn’t a space hog is the Belkin Wemo.

The biggest downside from my perspective is the inability to remotely access the unit by itself. But Alexa allows you to do that remotely through the Amazon app so that might no be a big deal. Unless you find it annoying to open a shopping app to access your smart home. Other than that, the Switch is a solid smart plug though it is a bit more expensive.

#1 goes to the iHome iSP8. The standout feature for the iHome iSP8 plug is the fact that it works with almost every smart home protocol. Now if you’re only running Alexa, that won’t matter much.

The plug is small enough that it doesn’t block the second outlet, it comes with a remote that’ doesn’t require line of site so this is a great plug for use with larger appliances in my opinion. It also has energy monitoring which is helpful to see how much energy the appliance is using.

iHome allows you to access the plug remotely without using Alexa which might be handy for people. With all things considered, the iHome iSP8 is probably the most versatile smart plug on this list as it will work with most platforms so if haven’t fully committed to Apple HomeKit or Google Home or Amazon Alexa, this plug is for you.